Romans 3:25-26 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to
demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins
committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to
demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who
justifies those who have faith in Jesus. (NIV)
The Atonement: God's Work of Salvation
In several New Testament passages we find reference to the term "atonement" (NIV) or what is also translated in older versions "propitiation". To "propitiate" or "atone" refers to the overall work of salvation wherein the grounds for removal of God's wrath and the guilt of sin is established. That "grounds" of course in reference to the Actor, Jesus Christ, Acting out the atonement on the cross and thus accomplishing salvation.
Atonement is an umbrella term that is used to describe the entire and complete work of Jesus Christ. Today I want to paint with a broad brush by giving three headings by which we can both understand and explain the atonement to other people. Those three headings are:
1. The Actor of Atonement: The Lord Jesus Christ
2. The Act of Atonement: The Cross
3. The Accomplishment of Atonement: Both its effects and application to all who by grace through faith believe on both the Actor and the accomplishment.
So with those three headings: Act, Actor and Accomplishment, let me show you how the New Testament is built around this term "atonement".
The Gospels reveal the Actor and Act of Atonement
The Actor of Atonement is Jesus Christ
The 89 chapters of the Four Gospels aim to portray the Actor of Atonement: The Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew presents Jesus as the King who came to save His people. Mark describes Him as the Suffering Servant coming to give His life a ransom for many. Luke depicts Jesus as the perfect man who shows us who God is and what man ought to be. John unveils the truth of God in human flesh, The Word, who came to provide eternal life to those who by grace through faith believe on Him.
The Act of Atonement is the Cross
If we were to take all of the material of the four Gospels together, we would have over 30% of it devoted to Christ's crucifixion, the 40 day period following His resurrection from the dead and His ascension.
The events of Jesus birth (Matthew 1-3; Luke 1-2) and life and ministry (Matthew 4-26; Mark 1-14; Luke 4-22; John 1-18) occupy 33 years of time. 35 miracles, at least 5 full length sermons and some 60 or so parables all point to the time in which Jesus Christ would be crucified.
All four Gospels record the crucifixion. We're not told its full meaning (although 109 Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled and can be used to understand its purpose). The primary purpose of the Gospels is to record the "event" or the "act of atonement". Four Gospels are required to depict the Act and Actor of atonement, however it will take Acts, 21 New Testament letters and Revelation to unfold what was accomplished at the cross.
Acts, The Epistles and Revelation unfold what was accomplished in the Atonement
Remember those headings: Actor, Act and Accomplishment. The Gospels cover the first two components of the atonement, however it is here in Book of Acts. The Epistles and Revelation where we see the unfolding of the subject.
The Book of Acts: Preaching about the Atonement
The Book of Acts is full of 16 sermons preached by the Apostles (and Stephen in Acts 7) on explaining what took place on the cross. Overwhelmingly they center on His resurrection from the dead as proof that the cross worked, that Jesus was both perfect man and fully God and that what He accomplished satisfied God. Acts connects the life of the church to what Jesus accomplished on the cross. However in terms of what actually took place, thats why the New Testament includes the Epistles.
The Epistles or New Testament Letters: Explaining the Atonement
Some 130 places in Paul's 13 letters (Romans to Philemon) alone contain references to the cross. The other Epistles, referred to as the General Epistles (Hebrews - Jude) each draw their material from what was accomplished on the cross. Just as an example, the main themes of the General Epistles reveals what Jesus accomplished in His work of salvation:
1. Hebrews = Supreme Representation of the believer in salvation
2. James = Saving Faith results in good works
3. 1 Peter = Redemption, or purchased from the kingdom of darkness to now live in the Kingdom of Christ
4. 2 Peter = Power for living the Christian life until Christ's return
5. 1 John = Certainties of assurance of salvation
6. 2 & 3 John = Spiritual health
7. Jude = The cross provided the means for enduring in our salvation and rejecting error
Mind you these are thumbnail sketches, but the point is that it takes over 2/3 of the New Testament to unfold what took place in those 6 hours in which Jesus Christ was Acting out atonement.
Revelation: Placing the Accomplishments of the Actor and Act of atonement as basis for worship and completion of God's purposes
What would had happened if Jesus Christ had not come to provide atonement? There would be no guarantee that God's purposes for history would come to pass, nor would the promises of God be fulfilled. In Revelation 4&5 and 21-22, mention is made of the accomplishment of atonement. All who by grace through faith believed on Him are described worshipping Him who is "worthy", since He gave His life for them.
There is no doubt that what Jesus accomplished in His 1st coming - atonement, provides the basis for what He will accomplish when He comes back again - adoration of His Grace among His saints and affirming His Justice in the judgment of the world and all those who rejected the accomplishment of the atonement.
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Introduction to the atonement
1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
For the next few days I want us to begin exploring a major concept in the Bible: "atonement". A helpful definition of this term can be seen in the word itself: At - One - Ment. That is, it is God's saving work whereby He provides the grounds for the sinner to be At-One with Him. Other meanings of this word include the ideas of removal of God's wrath (called by Bible teachers "propitiation") and removal of the sinner's guilt before God (called "expiation").
For now we will restrict ourselves to the term "atonement", since it covers so much ground and is a summary word for all that was accomplished and effected by Christ's life and work on the cross (chiefly His crucifixion).
In the Old Testament, the idea of cleansing away of sinful guilt was of chief importance in the minds of the Old Testament writers. One verse that uses the Hebrew word for cleansing illustrates perfectly the biblical picture of the atonement:
Picturing the atonement from Job
Job 37:21-22 “Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies; But the wind has passed and cleared them. “Out of the north comes golden splendor; Around God is awesome majesty."
Notice how we see a picture of the sinner:1. Lost in darkness. Picture men who are in darkness, unable to see the light. Ephesians 2:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 characterizes unbelieving man like the men here in Job 37:21.
2. Light of God's Glory. The light is in the sky, but inaccessible and unseeable. The clouds of judgment veil the face of God. Unbelieving man faces judgment due to His rejection of Holy God. (Romans 1:18-31; John 3:17-19)
3. The Cleansing away of darkness. This is what takes place when the atonement is applied to the believer by grace through faith. The darkness of judgment is swept away by the blood, and behold the sinner is declared a saint and can now walk under an open heaven with God. (1 John 1:6-9)
4. The Glory of God. This is what the sinner had fallen short of, but now the glory of God is central. What was formerly frightening is now delightful. Atonement reconciles us to the majesty of God. The blood cleanses, reconciles and restores.
May you dear reader be blessed as you contemplate the atoning work of Christ.
For the next few days I want us to begin exploring a major concept in the Bible: "atonement". A helpful definition of this term can be seen in the word itself: At - One - Ment. That is, it is God's saving work whereby He provides the grounds for the sinner to be At-One with Him. Other meanings of this word include the ideas of removal of God's wrath (called by Bible teachers "propitiation") and removal of the sinner's guilt before God (called "expiation").
For now we will restrict ourselves to the term "atonement", since it covers so much ground and is a summary word for all that was accomplished and effected by Christ's life and work on the cross (chiefly His crucifixion).
In the Old Testament, the idea of cleansing away of sinful guilt was of chief importance in the minds of the Old Testament writers. One verse that uses the Hebrew word for cleansing illustrates perfectly the biblical picture of the atonement:
Picturing the atonement from Job
Job 37:21-22 “Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies; But the wind has passed and cleared them. “Out of the north comes golden splendor; Around God is awesome majesty."
Notice how we see a picture of the sinner:1. Lost in darkness. Picture men who are in darkness, unable to see the light. Ephesians 2:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 characterizes unbelieving man like the men here in Job 37:21.
2. Light of God's Glory. The light is in the sky, but inaccessible and unseeable. The clouds of judgment veil the face of God. Unbelieving man faces judgment due to His rejection of Holy God. (Romans 1:18-31; John 3:17-19)
3. The Cleansing away of darkness. This is what takes place when the atonement is applied to the believer by grace through faith. The darkness of judgment is swept away by the blood, and behold the sinner is declared a saint and can now walk under an open heaven with God. (1 John 1:6-9)
4. The Glory of God. This is what the sinner had fallen short of, but now the glory of God is central. What was formerly frightening is now delightful. Atonement reconciles us to the majesty of God. The blood cleanses, reconciles and restores.
May you dear reader be blessed as you contemplate the atoning work of Christ.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
The Lord: the Believer's Master, Father, Spouse
Genesis 15:1-2 After these things the word of the LORD came to
Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a
shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
2Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the
heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
We once again turn our attention to this amazing conversation between Abram and God in Genesis 15. God has been addressed by Abram as "Lord", which in the Hebrew is Adonai. This name has among its meanings the idea of "Master". As one begins to dig deeper into the meaning of this term, one finds a treasure trove of thoughts that bring out the relationship between Abram and the God of scripture. The name "Adonai" is also used in the Bible in the realm of human relationships. I want to show you three ways in which this name is used, and then show how we can understand better God as "Adonai".
1. To be a "Lord" or "Adonai" is to be a Master over slaves.
In the biblical periods of the Old and Testament, slaves and their masters (i.e lords) were common practice. Unlike the horrible practice of slavery practice in America during the nineteenth century, slaves in the Old and New Testaments had the possibilities of advancement, and if so chosen, their masters would even adopt them as members of the family. Of course there were exceptions, yet if the master was good, generally the slave could expect to have a quality of life based upon the character of the master.
In Genesis 24:12, we see Abraham's chief slave praying to the LORD: "He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham." This slave recognized his owner as "master", which in the Hebrew is the term "Adonai".
2. To be a "Lord" or "Adonai" also referred to Fathers and sons
We see instances of offspring referring to their fathers as "lord" or "Adonai". Genesis 31:35 records the words of Rachael to her father Laban: She said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household idols. Often when we see this use, it is out of respect. Rachael wanted to communicate to her father that even though she was not going to move, she still regarded Him as her superior.
3. To be a "Lord" or "Adonai" also referred to Husbands and Wives
In Genesis 18:12, Sarah says these words about Abraham: "Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 1 Peter 3:6 comments on this text with these words: "just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear."
Many wives may wonder why the biblical practice was to refer to one's husband as a "lord"? From studies done in other languages similar to Hebrew, we have discovered that this manner of speaking was a term of respect and affection for the husband. It was not to be taken as him being "the master" as in a slave/master relationship, but rather recognition of his care, protection and God-given leadership in the home.
Considering Abram's use of "Adonai" or "Lord" and our own relationship to "The Lord"
In considering the three above uses of "Adonai" (Lord), and how they functioned in the realm of human relationships, we can grasp why God revealed Himself to Abram and does so to us. I don't doubt Abram's use of this term was primarily centered around his viewing himself as the slave and Yahweh as His Lord.
But I wonder too if in the context of what we know about Abraham's life from Genesis 12-25 that we could see Abram as the son and God as the Father? Think about it. The Lord took Abram out to view the night sky. He revealed to Him more details about His purposes for Him. Jesus commments in John 15:15 "“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Truly then what we're seeing is The Heavenly Father, Adonai, the Lord, speaking to his son by faith, Abram. We are seeing the Master of all things relating to His slave, who by nature is a son.
But then in the rest of God's revelation to Abram we can make one final observation: Abram was shown by the Lord the destiny of His physical descendants. He was shown how they would be in bondage in Egypt. He also revealed How He was going to rescue them from that bondage. Isaiah 54:5 states: “For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth." Thus in the prophetic portion of Abram's dream, God is relating to His people as a Husband to His wife.
Adonai or The Lord is truly the believer's Master, who Leads; the Father, who communicates and the Spouse, who loves.
We once again turn our attention to this amazing conversation between Abram and God in Genesis 15. God has been addressed by Abram as "Lord", which in the Hebrew is Adonai. This name has among its meanings the idea of "Master". As one begins to dig deeper into the meaning of this term, one finds a treasure trove of thoughts that bring out the relationship between Abram and the God of scripture. The name "Adonai" is also used in the Bible in the realm of human relationships. I want to show you three ways in which this name is used, and then show how we can understand better God as "Adonai".
1. To be a "Lord" or "Adonai" is to be a Master over slaves.
In the biblical periods of the Old and Testament, slaves and their masters (i.e lords) were common practice. Unlike the horrible practice of slavery practice in America during the nineteenth century, slaves in the Old and New Testaments had the possibilities of advancement, and if so chosen, their masters would even adopt them as members of the family. Of course there were exceptions, yet if the master was good, generally the slave could expect to have a quality of life based upon the character of the master.
In Genesis 24:12, we see Abraham's chief slave praying to the LORD: "He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham." This slave recognized his owner as "master", which in the Hebrew is the term "Adonai".
2. To be a "Lord" or "Adonai" also referred to Fathers and sons
We see instances of offspring referring to their fathers as "lord" or "Adonai". Genesis 31:35 records the words of Rachael to her father Laban: She said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household idols. Often when we see this use, it is out of respect. Rachael wanted to communicate to her father that even though she was not going to move, she still regarded Him as her superior.
3. To be a "Lord" or "Adonai" also referred to Husbands and Wives
In Genesis 18:12, Sarah says these words about Abraham: "Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 1 Peter 3:6 comments on this text with these words: "just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear."
Many wives may wonder why the biblical practice was to refer to one's husband as a "lord"? From studies done in other languages similar to Hebrew, we have discovered that this manner of speaking was a term of respect and affection for the husband. It was not to be taken as him being "the master" as in a slave/master relationship, but rather recognition of his care, protection and God-given leadership in the home.
Considering Abram's use of "Adonai" or "Lord" and our own relationship to "The Lord"
In considering the three above uses of "Adonai" (Lord), and how they functioned in the realm of human relationships, we can grasp why God revealed Himself to Abram and does so to us. I don't doubt Abram's use of this term was primarily centered around his viewing himself as the slave and Yahweh as His Lord.
But I wonder too if in the context of what we know about Abraham's life from Genesis 12-25 that we could see Abram as the son and God as the Father? Think about it. The Lord took Abram out to view the night sky. He revealed to Him more details about His purposes for Him. Jesus commments in John 15:15 "“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Truly then what we're seeing is The Heavenly Father, Adonai, the Lord, speaking to his son by faith, Abram. We are seeing the Master of all things relating to His slave, who by nature is a son.
But then in the rest of God's revelation to Abram we can make one final observation: Abram was shown by the Lord the destiny of His physical descendants. He was shown how they would be in bondage in Egypt. He also revealed How He was going to rescue them from that bondage. Isaiah 54:5 states: “For your husband is your Maker, Whose name is the LORD of hosts; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, Who is called the God of all the earth." Thus in the prophetic portion of Abram's dream, God is relating to His people as a Husband to His wife.
Adonai or The Lord is truly the believer's Master, who Leads; the Father, who communicates and the Spouse, who loves.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
The Master of all things
Genesis 15:1-2 After these things the word of the LORD came to
Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a
shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
2 Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the
heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
Yesterday we considered the names "LORD" (referring to God's personally revealed name and Deity as Yahweh or Jehovah, The I AM) and "Lord" (referring to His authority as Master or 'Adonai') Today we want to explore a little bit of just how much rule does God excercise as "Lord". In today's blog we are going to consider how God is Adonai or "Lord of all things".
Now when we say God is Lord of all things, what is it that He rules? Four areas of mentioned in Genesis 15 that aid us in seeing how vast the power of the Lord truly is.
1. The Lord or "Adonai" rules in Providence Genesis 15:1-5
God's Providence is His ruling reign. Abram was asking the Lord how it was He was going to bring about the promised heir from his bloodline. The Lord reveals to Abram that it is not going to be the one he's thinking - Eliezer. Then the Lord does something incredible - he takes Abram to view the outside sky. He shows Him just how big His promise is going to be fulfilled to Abram. Furthermore, He is reminding Abram of how vast His power is.
In Providence, the Lord guides all events, people and nations for His intended purposes. As much as this promise can include the nation of Israel that would come from Abraham, and later on Isaac and Jacob - God's word is in ultimate reference to Jesus Christ. The Lord's providential rule will utilize all of history, humanity and nations. One nation, Israel, would be the means by which the Lord providentially brings about the coming of this ultimate descendant - Jesus Christ.
2. The Lord or "Adonai" rules in salvation Genesis 15:6-7
The Bible says in Genesis 15:6 that Abram believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. That verse is quoted by the Apostle Paul to illustrate the central truth of justification by faith in salvation. (Romans 4:3) Justification is God's judicial declaration of the sinner's innocence at the moment of saving faith. We can think of justification in this way: "just-as-if-I-never-sinned". All that Christ is and accomplished is credited to us the moment we by faith acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord by grace through faith. The Lord reigns and rules in salvation. He is the Author and finisher of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
3. The Lord or "Adonai" rules in Revelation Genesis 15:8-17
The Lord has Abram bring a series of animals to be prepared by Abram for an unusual covenant ceremony. Abram is to take these animals and cut them from front to back into two opposing halves. The idea of this covenant is that whomever walks through the halves is pledging not only His loyalty to the other, but that the failure to complete the covenant will result in a curse on the one making the covenant. Quite literally, the one making the covenant is saying His fate will be the same as the animals if He fails to come through. Since the Lord alone walks through the animals, and since He cannot die, we know that the covenant will be fulfilled.
This revelation has the Lord putting Abram into a deep sleep and revealing the destiny of his descendants all the way into their days in bondage in Egypt, some 400 years. (Genesis 15:13) The Lord has the authority to bring to completion what He begins. He not only calls His people, He redeems them and infallibly reveals through His Word His commitment to them.
4. The Lord or "Adonai" Rules in Prophecy Genesis 15:18-21
God promises in this last section of Genesis 15 that all of Abram's descendants will get the land. Again even though we can include Israel (for God's plans for her will still be accomplished), the ultimate person in view is the Lord Jesus Christ. He will rule and reign over the land and over the universe. Prophecy as well as history is in view. This is how much dominion the Lord has. He is truly Master of all things.
Yesterday we considered the names "LORD" (referring to God's personally revealed name and Deity as Yahweh or Jehovah, The I AM) and "Lord" (referring to His authority as Master or 'Adonai') Today we want to explore a little bit of just how much rule does God excercise as "Lord". In today's blog we are going to consider how God is Adonai or "Lord of all things".
Now when we say God is Lord of all things, what is it that He rules? Four areas of mentioned in Genesis 15 that aid us in seeing how vast the power of the Lord truly is.
1. The Lord or "Adonai" rules in Providence Genesis 15:1-5
God's Providence is His ruling reign. Abram was asking the Lord how it was He was going to bring about the promised heir from his bloodline. The Lord reveals to Abram that it is not going to be the one he's thinking - Eliezer. Then the Lord does something incredible - he takes Abram to view the outside sky. He shows Him just how big His promise is going to be fulfilled to Abram. Furthermore, He is reminding Abram of how vast His power is.
In Providence, the Lord guides all events, people and nations for His intended purposes. As much as this promise can include the nation of Israel that would come from Abraham, and later on Isaac and Jacob - God's word is in ultimate reference to Jesus Christ. The Lord's providential rule will utilize all of history, humanity and nations. One nation, Israel, would be the means by which the Lord providentially brings about the coming of this ultimate descendant - Jesus Christ.
2. The Lord or "Adonai" rules in salvation Genesis 15:6-7
The Bible says in Genesis 15:6 that Abram believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. That verse is quoted by the Apostle Paul to illustrate the central truth of justification by faith in salvation. (Romans 4:3) Justification is God's judicial declaration of the sinner's innocence at the moment of saving faith. We can think of justification in this way: "just-as-if-I-never-sinned". All that Christ is and accomplished is credited to us the moment we by faith acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord by grace through faith. The Lord reigns and rules in salvation. He is the Author and finisher of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
3. The Lord or "Adonai" rules in Revelation Genesis 15:8-17
The Lord has Abram bring a series of animals to be prepared by Abram for an unusual covenant ceremony. Abram is to take these animals and cut them from front to back into two opposing halves. The idea of this covenant is that whomever walks through the halves is pledging not only His loyalty to the other, but that the failure to complete the covenant will result in a curse on the one making the covenant. Quite literally, the one making the covenant is saying His fate will be the same as the animals if He fails to come through. Since the Lord alone walks through the animals, and since He cannot die, we know that the covenant will be fulfilled.
This revelation has the Lord putting Abram into a deep sleep and revealing the destiny of his descendants all the way into their days in bondage in Egypt, some 400 years. (Genesis 15:13) The Lord has the authority to bring to completion what He begins. He not only calls His people, He redeems them and infallibly reveals through His Word His commitment to them.
4. The Lord or "Adonai" Rules in Prophecy Genesis 15:18-21
God promises in this last section of Genesis 15 that all of Abram's descendants will get the land. Again even though we can include Israel (for God's plans for her will still be accomplished), the ultimate person in view is the Lord Jesus Christ. He will rule and reign over the land and over the universe. Prophecy as well as history is in view. This is how much dominion the Lord has. He is truly Master of all things.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Distinguishing between "LORD" & "Lord"
Genesis 15:1-2 1After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do
not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall
be very great.”
2Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the
heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
The Difference between "LORD" and "Lord"
In our English Bibles, translators have done us a great favor. If you will take notice in the text above, two words are given different colors to show you the subject of today's blog: "LORD" and "Lord". What is the difference?
The one name spelled in all caps "LORD" refers to God's personal name: Jehovah or Yahweh, as it is in the original text. Meanwhile the other name rendered by "Lord" is referring to the name of God in the original text that is pronounced "Adonai".
When we are using the name "LORD", we are concerned with the identity and personal covenant commitment of the God of Scripture to His people. When we use the second title "Lord", we are speaking of the authority that this God has over our lives and all things. "LORD" is answering the question: "Who is God?" "Lord" on the other hand answers the question: "What does God do?"
The use of "LORD" and "Lord" in Old and New Testaments
Thankfully one does not have to know Old Testament Hebrew or New Testament Greek to know when the biblical authors are referring to Jehovah or Adonai. English translators have taken great pains to make these distinctions for us. In the King James for example, over 6,000 places mention the name "LORD" in both Old and New Testaments, whereas in over 300 places we find reference to the second title "Lord".
Basic uses of "LORD" and "Lord" in the Old Testament
Moses states in Genesis 15:1 that "The LORD" (Yahweh) brought a word to Abram. This is God in His personal dealings with the patriarch. It is He revealing His unending Deity and personal revelation to Abraham.
Abram then responds in Genesis 15:2 - "Abram said, "O Lord God, what will you give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" This is the first time we come across this different spelling of "Lord". This reveals that Abram is calling God His Master (the root meaning of this name "Lord" or "Adonai")
Why the text mentions both of these names
Abram is relating to God as both Personal and Powerful. As the Personal God, He is Yahweh or LORD. As noted author Henry Blackaby observes: "When people have encountered God, they know two things: They know its God and they know what He's said". Moses is indicating that Abram knew Whom it was addressing Him, since this same God first called and spoke to Him back in Genesis 12. He also knows that the promise of God is yet to be fulfilled - thus the reason for the name "LORD".
The second name "Lord" is used by Abram to indicate his submission to the will of His Master. Though Abram was grappling with how the promise was going to come to pass, His use of "Lord" (Adonai, Master) indicates His willingness to be led.
We know Abram had faith for Genesis 15:6 states - "Then He believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to Him as righteousness". We know by the switching of spellings that Abram is believing God as both His Personal God "LORD", and that He will willing to follow Him from that point onward as His "Lord" or Master.
Why these different spelled names matter to the Christian
To know God is the chief end of the Christian. To know how God dealt with His people, and how they responded to what He reveals makes all the difference in our own knowledge of God. We see from these two names that He is both the Personal God of Revelation, Unending in His Deity, He is the one who Keeps His promises, He is Yahweh or "LORD".
Then He also is the One who leads us. He is the Shepherd, we are the sheep. He is the Master, we are the slaves. He is the Father, we are the sons. He is "Lord", "Master", "Adonai". As Yahweh we look to Him as the source of salvation and the goal of our worship and as Adonai we follow Him willingly and eagerly. Both names capture the true essence of what it means to be a child of God in covenant with the God of Glory.
The Difference between "LORD" and "Lord"
In our English Bibles, translators have done us a great favor. If you will take notice in the text above, two words are given different colors to show you the subject of today's blog: "LORD" and "Lord". What is the difference?
The one name spelled in all caps "LORD" refers to God's personal name: Jehovah or Yahweh, as it is in the original text. Meanwhile the other name rendered by "Lord" is referring to the name of God in the original text that is pronounced "Adonai".
When we are using the name "LORD", we are concerned with the identity and personal covenant commitment of the God of Scripture to His people. When we use the second title "Lord", we are speaking of the authority that this God has over our lives and all things. "LORD" is answering the question: "Who is God?" "Lord" on the other hand answers the question: "What does God do?"
The use of "LORD" and "Lord" in Old and New Testaments
Thankfully one does not have to know Old Testament Hebrew or New Testament Greek to know when the biblical authors are referring to Jehovah or Adonai. English translators have taken great pains to make these distinctions for us. In the King James for example, over 6,000 places mention the name "LORD" in both Old and New Testaments, whereas in over 300 places we find reference to the second title "Lord".
Basic uses of "LORD" and "Lord" in the Old Testament
Moses states in Genesis 15:1 that "The LORD" (Yahweh) brought a word to Abram. This is God in His personal dealings with the patriarch. It is He revealing His unending Deity and personal revelation to Abraham.
Abram then responds in Genesis 15:2 - "Abram said, "O Lord God, what will you give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" This is the first time we come across this different spelling of "Lord". This reveals that Abram is calling God His Master (the root meaning of this name "Lord" or "Adonai")
Why the text mentions both of these names
Abram is relating to God as both Personal and Powerful. As the Personal God, He is Yahweh or LORD. As noted author Henry Blackaby observes: "When people have encountered God, they know two things: They know its God and they know what He's said". Moses is indicating that Abram knew Whom it was addressing Him, since this same God first called and spoke to Him back in Genesis 12. He also knows that the promise of God is yet to be fulfilled - thus the reason for the name "LORD".
The second name "Lord" is used by Abram to indicate his submission to the will of His Master. Though Abram was grappling with how the promise was going to come to pass, His use of "Lord" (Adonai, Master) indicates His willingness to be led.
We know Abram had faith for Genesis 15:6 states - "Then He believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to Him as righteousness". We know by the switching of spellings that Abram is believing God as both His Personal God "LORD", and that He will willing to follow Him from that point onward as His "Lord" or Master.
Why these different spelled names matter to the Christian
To know God is the chief end of the Christian. To know how God dealt with His people, and how they responded to what He reveals makes all the difference in our own knowledge of God. We see from these two names that He is both the Personal God of Revelation, Unending in His Deity, He is the one who Keeps His promises, He is Yahweh or "LORD".
Then He also is the One who leads us. He is the Shepherd, we are the sheep. He is the Master, we are the slaves. He is the Father, we are the sons. He is "Lord", "Master", "Adonai". As Yahweh we look to Him as the source of salvation and the goal of our worship and as Adonai we follow Him willingly and eagerly. Both names capture the true essence of what it means to be a child of God in covenant with the God of Glory.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
How to be effective for God
2 Samuel 23:1 Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse
declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The
anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel,
Last words. David, the greatest king of Israel in the Old Testament, writes what are his final written words in the Bible. Throughout his life David made it a point to be a mighty man of God - which we explored yesterday. Today as we consider David's final words in 2 Samuel 23, we aim to understand another aspect of his life as a man of God - namely how he was an effective man of God.
How can we aim to be effective people of God in the 21st century? Let me sketch out some thoughts for you from 2 Samuel 23 that demonstrate how David did it by the Lord's strength:
1. Identification with God. 2 Samuel 23:1
David identifies himself with three titles: "The man who was raised on high; the anointed of God and the sweet Psalmist of Israel". Each of these titles respectively conveyed his strength, his approval by God and his affection from God. He never identified himself apart from God's strength, approval and affection.
2. Influence others for God. 2 Samuel 23:2-3
2 Samuel 23:2-3 notes - “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. 3“The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘He who rules over men righteously, Who rules in the fear of God". How was it that David operated as King? He did it in the fear of the Lord. He influenced others to the degree He was influenced by God. God was His Rock.
3. Illuminating Walk with God. 2 Samuel 23:4
As David walked with God, his chief concern was to walk under an open heaven with God. 1 John 1:6-8 speaks about "walking in the light as He is in the light". For the Christian, we walk as Jesus Himself walked. (1 John 2:6) The Apostle John also writes in 1 John 4:17b "As Jesus Christ is, so are we in this world".
At Jesus' baptism, the heavens parted and he began his public ministry under "an open heaven" fellowship with the Heavenly Father. On the Mount of transfiguration in Matthew 17, the glory cloud of God came down where Jesus was on top of the mountain and declared to the three disciples with Him: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Then When Jesus ascended into heaven, He did so under an open heaven.
Like Jesus, and like David, we too should make it our priority to walk under an open heaven, with fellowship with God as our chief priority. This is how we are effective as people of God. Then finally.....
4. Intention of Finishing well with God. 2 Samuel 23:5
David wrote: "Truly is not my house so with God?" This diagnostic question speaks to our spiritual condition - our Christian life - our "house". How is your heart? How is the estate of your spiritual house? David has the intention of finishing well for God as indicated by the word "all" here in verse 5:
"Ordered all things, and secured"; "For all my salvation"; "and all my desire".
David subsumed every nook and cranny of his life under the Sovereign Covenant that God had made with him almost 33 years prior in 2 Samuel 7:13-16. From the get-go David desired to finish well for God. Would we be a people who are effective for Jesus' sake. May we...
1. Identify with God
2. Influence others for God
3. Have an illuminating walk with God
4. Intend to finish well for God.
Last words. David, the greatest king of Israel in the Old Testament, writes what are his final written words in the Bible. Throughout his life David made it a point to be a mighty man of God - which we explored yesterday. Today as we consider David's final words in 2 Samuel 23, we aim to understand another aspect of his life as a man of God - namely how he was an effective man of God.
How can we aim to be effective people of God in the 21st century? Let me sketch out some thoughts for you from 2 Samuel 23 that demonstrate how David did it by the Lord's strength:
1. Identification with God. 2 Samuel 23:1
David identifies himself with three titles: "The man who was raised on high; the anointed of God and the sweet Psalmist of Israel". Each of these titles respectively conveyed his strength, his approval by God and his affection from God. He never identified himself apart from God's strength, approval and affection.
2. Influence others for God. 2 Samuel 23:2-3
2 Samuel 23:2-3 notes - “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. 3“The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘He who rules over men righteously, Who rules in the fear of God". How was it that David operated as King? He did it in the fear of the Lord. He influenced others to the degree He was influenced by God. God was His Rock.
3. Illuminating Walk with God. 2 Samuel 23:4
As David walked with God, his chief concern was to walk under an open heaven with God. 1 John 1:6-8 speaks about "walking in the light as He is in the light". For the Christian, we walk as Jesus Himself walked. (1 John 2:6) The Apostle John also writes in 1 John 4:17b "As Jesus Christ is, so are we in this world".
At Jesus' baptism, the heavens parted and he began his public ministry under "an open heaven" fellowship with the Heavenly Father. On the Mount of transfiguration in Matthew 17, the glory cloud of God came down where Jesus was on top of the mountain and declared to the three disciples with Him: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Then When Jesus ascended into heaven, He did so under an open heaven.
Like Jesus, and like David, we too should make it our priority to walk under an open heaven, with fellowship with God as our chief priority. This is how we are effective as people of God. Then finally.....
4. Intention of Finishing well with God. 2 Samuel 23:5
David wrote: "Truly is not my house so with God?" This diagnostic question speaks to our spiritual condition - our Christian life - our "house". How is your heart? How is the estate of your spiritual house? David has the intention of finishing well for God as indicated by the word "all" here in verse 5:
"Ordered all things, and secured"; "For all my salvation"; "and all my desire".
David subsumed every nook and cranny of his life under the Sovereign Covenant that God had made with him almost 33 years prior in 2 Samuel 7:13-16. From the get-go David desired to finish well for God. Would we be a people who are effective for Jesus' sake. May we...
1. Identify with God
2. Influence others for God
3. Have an illuminating walk with God
4. Intend to finish well for God.
Defining Kingdom men (people)
1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong
support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to
the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
Over the past few days we have looked at what it means to be a might man (or woman) of God and an effective person for the Lord. In today's blog we want to look at what it means to be a Kingdom man. King David had a group of men who had come to serve him and support him in his rise as Israel's King. Much of what we read of their efforts can apply directly to believers aiming to be about God's Kingdom buisness.
Concerning the contents of 1 Chronicles 11, and how they relate to God's Kingdom work, Matthew Henry notes:
"David reckoned his success as not from the mighty men that were with him, but from the Mighty God, Whose presence is all in all. In strengthening him, they (David's mighty men) strengthened themselves and their own interests. His (King David's) advancement was theirs. We shall gain by what we do in our places for the support for the kingdom of the Son of David."
That last comment on the "kingdom of the Son of David" is of course in reference to the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ - who touching His humanity was descended from David. (please compare Romans 1:1-3)
So what does it take to be a man (or woman) of Christ's Kingdom?
1. Strong Support for Christ's Kingdom
A Kingdom man will first and foremost be supportive of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is the domain of His authority in believer's hearts, in the church and ulitmately over the whole world. Clearly the Kingdom right now is primarily invisible, however the day will come when the Kingdom is more visible than invisible at Christ's second coming.
God's Kingdom refers to the work He is doing calling people to Himself through Christ through the Gospel. We read in 1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Jesus notes in Matthew 6:33 to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added unto you."
2. Stand their ground
Kingdom men not only support the work of the Kingdom (whether it be through their efforts, giving, time), but secondly in their resolve to take a stand for the Kingdom. In 1 Chronicles 11:14 an episode is recounted where in Israel's history, enemies were stealing farmlands from God's people. It was a time of war and some men rose up and stood their ground for the Kingdom of Israel. We read in the text: "They took their stand in the midst of the plot and defended it, and struck down the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great victory."
Standing ground for Jesus' sake isn't easy. Sometimes the very ones you have to stand against may very well be a friend or close associate. (As in the case of Paul confronting Peter in Galatians 2:11-21) God's Kingdom must be established at all cost. In your own life, are you standing the ground of your heart, guarding it against influences opposite of Christ? Anyone who takes a stand for the Kingdom must be prepared to stand their ground. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
3. Seek to please the Master
In 1 Chronicles 11:17-21 David had in times past craved some fresh water from the srpings of Bethelehem. The men who were with him pushed past enemy lines, at the risk of their own life, to please their master. They returned with the water, only to watch David pour it out on the ground!
Now when I have read this text, I think to myself: "good grief David, could you had not at least took a sip and then poured it out on the ground?" But note what David said in 1 Chronicles 11:19 “....Be it far from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did." David viewed his love and honor for these men above fulfilling the desires of his flesh. David aimed to please His Master - the Lord.
These three mighty men are never recorded as getting angry with David. To me that is the most curious aspect of the scripture at times - what is not said. May I suggest that the reason why the Bible doesn't record their response is because they weren't shocked. They so wanted to please their master, they knew him. They knew that his chief aim in life was to please the Lord above his fleshy appetites. David's pouring out of the water only communicated how much he honored their effort by an act of worship. Pouring out of liquid was an expression of worship. They aided in the one expression he was unable to do at the time of his exile under the regime of Saul - Worship!
4. Strength of character
So a Kingdom man will strongly support the Kingdom, Stand their ground for the Kingdom and Seek to Please the Master of the Kingdom. But notice lastly that a Kingdom man will possess Strength of character. 1 Chronicles 11:22 comments on one of David's mighty men - Beniah - "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, mighty in deeds, struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day."
Beniah came from a line of men who were valiant or of noble character. Furthermore he himself was "mighty in deeds". He never ran from trouble, he chased it, and killed it. A Kingdom man will be fearless, because He knows He has the power of God in and through Him. Benaiah is not noted for strong muscles, but rather his mighty deeds, due to a strong character. Jude 20 underscore this trait for the Christian - "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit".
Over the past few days we have looked at what it means to be a might man (or woman) of God and an effective person for the Lord. In today's blog we want to look at what it means to be a Kingdom man. King David had a group of men who had come to serve him and support him in his rise as Israel's King. Much of what we read of their efforts can apply directly to believers aiming to be about God's Kingdom buisness.
Concerning the contents of 1 Chronicles 11, and how they relate to God's Kingdom work, Matthew Henry notes:
"David reckoned his success as not from the mighty men that were with him, but from the Mighty God, Whose presence is all in all. In strengthening him, they (David's mighty men) strengthened themselves and their own interests. His (King David's) advancement was theirs. We shall gain by what we do in our places for the support for the kingdom of the Son of David."
That last comment on the "kingdom of the Son of David" is of course in reference to the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ - who touching His humanity was descended from David. (please compare Romans 1:1-3)
So what does it take to be a man (or woman) of Christ's Kingdom?
1. Strong Support for Christ's Kingdom
A Kingdom man will first and foremost be supportive of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is the domain of His authority in believer's hearts, in the church and ulitmately over the whole world. Clearly the Kingdom right now is primarily invisible, however the day will come when the Kingdom is more visible than invisible at Christ's second coming.
God's Kingdom refers to the work He is doing calling people to Himself through Christ through the Gospel. We read in 1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Jesus notes in Matthew 6:33 to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added unto you."
2. Stand their ground
Kingdom men not only support the work of the Kingdom (whether it be through their efforts, giving, time), but secondly in their resolve to take a stand for the Kingdom. In 1 Chronicles 11:14 an episode is recounted where in Israel's history, enemies were stealing farmlands from God's people. It was a time of war and some men rose up and stood their ground for the Kingdom of Israel. We read in the text: "They took their stand in the midst of the plot and defended it, and struck down the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great victory."
Standing ground for Jesus' sake isn't easy. Sometimes the very ones you have to stand against may very well be a friend or close associate. (As in the case of Paul confronting Peter in Galatians 2:11-21) God's Kingdom must be established at all cost. In your own life, are you standing the ground of your heart, guarding it against influences opposite of Christ? Anyone who takes a stand for the Kingdom must be prepared to stand their ground. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
3. Seek to please the Master
In 1 Chronicles 11:17-21 David had in times past craved some fresh water from the srpings of Bethelehem. The men who were with him pushed past enemy lines, at the risk of their own life, to please their master. They returned with the water, only to watch David pour it out on the ground!
Now when I have read this text, I think to myself: "good grief David, could you had not at least took a sip and then poured it out on the ground?" But note what David said in 1 Chronicles 11:19 “....Be it far from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did." David viewed his love and honor for these men above fulfilling the desires of his flesh. David aimed to please His Master - the Lord.
These three mighty men are never recorded as getting angry with David. To me that is the most curious aspect of the scripture at times - what is not said. May I suggest that the reason why the Bible doesn't record their response is because they weren't shocked. They so wanted to please their master, they knew him. They knew that his chief aim in life was to please the Lord above his fleshy appetites. David's pouring out of the water only communicated how much he honored their effort by an act of worship. Pouring out of liquid was an expression of worship. They aided in the one expression he was unable to do at the time of his exile under the regime of Saul - Worship!
4. Strength of character
So a Kingdom man will strongly support the Kingdom, Stand their ground for the Kingdom and Seek to Please the Master of the Kingdom. But notice lastly that a Kingdom man will possess Strength of character. 1 Chronicles 11:22 comments on one of David's mighty men - Beniah - "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, mighty in deeds, struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day."
Beniah came from a line of men who were valiant or of noble character. Furthermore he himself was "mighty in deeds". He never ran from trouble, he chased it, and killed it. A Kingdom man will be fearless, because He knows He has the power of God in and through Him. Benaiah is not noted for strong muscles, but rather his mighty deeds, due to a strong character. Jude 20 underscore this trait for the Christian - "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit".
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